Suppressed Muzzle Blasts in Close Quarters

The primary advantage of having a sound suppressor on a home-defense firearm is reduced sound signature. A suppressed firearm eliminates the need for hearing protection, though during a critical incident, hearing protection is not a priority. Rob Pincus demonstrates another advantage of having a suppressor on your home-defense firearm: reduced muzzle blast.

Silencer or Suppressor?

Many people erroneously refer to a sound suppressor on a firearm as a silencer. No device attached to the muzzle of a firearm silences the sound of firing. It only reduces or suppresses the sound, hence the correct term is sound suppressor, not silencer.

Live-Fire Test

Can a sound suppressor be considered a self-defense tool? Rob has two good choices for home defense, both Springfield Armory XD pistols: an XD(M) and an XD Mod.2. One is equipped with a sound suppressor and one is not. He fires both to show how much a sound suppressor reduces muzzle blast. Why is this important during a home-defense incident?

If you have to draw and fire your handgun in close quarters, a family member may be near you. A suppressed gun mitigates the potential damage and effect from that muzzle blast, such as concussion, powder burns, eye damage, and hearing damage.

Keeping it in Perspective

If you’re considering adding a sound suppressor to a home-defense firearm, this video will help convince you of its advantages. But our most important home security tip here is that having a suppressed firearm is not critical. Having a firearm for home defense and knowing how to use it are critical. You can risk a little powder burn and hearing damage in order to protect you and your family from being murdered.